Public school districts operating within Adams County
| School District | Primary Communities Served | Types of Schools Included |
|---|---|---|
| Adams 12 Five Star Schools (District 12) | Thornton, Northglenn, Federal Heights, parts of Broomfield, Brighton, and other unincorporated areas | Elementary, middle, high schools, charter schools, specialized programs |
| Brighton 27J School District | City of Brighton and surrounding unincorporated portions of Adams County | Elementary, middle, high schools, alternative education |
| St. Vrain Valley School District (partial) | Small portions of the northern edge of the county (e.g., parts of Firestone) | Elementary, middle, high schools (district mainly serves Weld County) |
| Strasburg School District (District 76) | The town of Strasburg (mostly in Adams County) | Elementary (K‑8) school, with high‑school students attending neighboring districts |
| Weld County School District 2 (partial) | Northern fringe of the county near the Weld County line | Elementary and middle schools; high‑school students attend district‑wide high schools outside Adams County |
Selected public high schools located entirely within Adams County
- Adams City High School – Federal Heights (Adams 12)
- Brighton High School – Brighton (Brighton 27J)
- Horizon High School – Thornton (Adams 12)
- Northglenn High School – Northglenn (Adams 12)
- Thornton High School – Thornton (Adams 12)
Representative middle schools (public)
- Adams Middle School – Thornton (Adams 12)
- Hancock Middle School – Brighton (Brighton 27J)
- Riley Middle School – Northglenn (Adams 12)
- Strasburg Middle School – Strasburg (Strasburg SD)
Representative elementary schools (public)
- Alamo Elementary School – Thornton (Adams 12)
- Centennial Elementary School – Brighton (Brighton 27J)
- Northglenn Elementary School – Northglenn (Adams 12)
- M. A. Smith Elementary School – Federal Heights (Adams 12)
Charter schools operating in Adams County
- Academy Charter School – Thornton (Adams 12)
- Pioneer Charter School – Northglenn (Adams 12)
- Boulder Creek Charter School – Brighton (Brighton 27J)
Private and parochial schools (selected)
- St. Gabriel Catholic School – Thornton (K‑8)
- Colorado Academy (Upper Campus) – Near the county line in Broomfield (serves some Adams County residents)
- The Classical Academy – Thornton (K‑12)
Notes
- The lists above are representative, not exhaustive. Adams County hosts dozens of elementary and middle schools across its districts, as well as additional charter, private, and specialty schools.
- Some schools physically located near county boundaries may serve students from both Adams County and adjacent counties (Jefferson, Weld, and Broomfield).
- For a complete and up‑to‑date directory of every public, charter, and private school operating in Adams County, consult the Colorado Department of Education school directory or the individual district websites.
